Based upon the recent information provided by Dr. Paul Salaman, this species would qualify as Critically Endangered based upon the known extent of occurrence (EOO), severe fragmentation of the population, the decline in EOO, area of occupancy (AOO), and quality of habitat. There is still some question regarding the size of the AOO, however, the data on EOO seems quite strong. The one concern remaining with the assessment is the fact that there are no data on the ability of this species to survive in degraded or disturbed forest. If so, then the criterion for severely fragmented would not be met and the category perhaps should remain Data Deficient.

The population status of this species is unknown. Current reports by Pro Aves (Paul Salaman) present a scenario of land degradation and resultant fragmentation. Other tree rats (Genus Diplomys) nest in tree cavities and are arboreal, and do not likely disperse long distances. Fragmentation and degradation of the canopy would likely impact dispersal ability of Santamartamys as well.

The habitat preferences and ecological requirements of this species are unknown at present. It is known only from upper tropical to lower montane humid forest on the NW slope of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

The threats to this species, if any, are unknown (Emmons and Feer 1997). Paul Salaman (pers. comm.) reports that much of the forest in the potential range has been cleared or degraded. He also states that land process in the region have risen due to demand for weekend and holiday homes and that coffee cultivation is also expanding. Climate impacts could be a long-range threat.

Emmons, L. H. 2005. A revision of the arboreal Echimyidae (Rodentia: Echimyidae, Echimyinae); with descriptions of two new genera. In: E. A. Lacey and P. Myers (eds), Mammalian Diversification: From Chromosomes to Phylogeography (A Celebration of the Career of James L. Patton), pp. 247-309. University of California Press, Berkley:, USA.